CN114779889B

CN114779889B - Hinge module and foldable electronic device including the same

Info

Publication number: CN114779889B
Application number: CN202210509457.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金正真; 金钟润; 刘重根; 姜宗民; 李秀万; 黄晟奎
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-19
Filing date: 2020-02-17
Publication date: 2024-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-17
Also published as: CN114115455B; CN114115455A; US11762433B2; KR20200101241A; EP3699728B1; ZA202212483B; US20210373614A1; US20230205281A1; KR102601837B1; ZA202106199B; CN114779889A; CN111580599B; WO2020171497A1; EP3951555A1; EP3699728A1; CN111580599A; US11614780B2; KR102344928B1; BR112021016327A2; US11537173B2

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a hinge module and a foldable electronic device including the hinge module. The hinge module according to one embodiment includes: a fixed structure, the fixed structure comprising: a center portion; a guide portion having an edge facing an edge of the center portion; and a supporting portion configured to connect the central portion and the guide portion, wherein an inner space is formed between the central portion and the guide portion; a connection shaft extending through the central portion to the inner space and including a gear formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the connection shaft; and a rotating structure disposed in the inner space, the rotating structure including a circular arc gear having a plurality of gear teeth disposed in a circular arc shape and engaged with the gear, wherein the rotating structure rotates around a virtual rotation axis passing through a center of a circular arc of the circular arc gear.

Description

Hinge module and foldable electronic device including the same

The present application is a divisional application of patent application entitled "hinge module and foldable electronic device including the hinge module" having application number 202010096927.5, day 2020, month 02 and 17.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is based on and claims priority from korean patent application No.10-2019-0019576 filed in the korean intellectual property office on day 2 and 19 of 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a hinge module and a foldable electronic device including the hinge module.

Background

Some portable electronic devices may provide various functions through various applications. For example, some types of portable electronic devices may provide functions such as data and voice communications, photo or video capture with a camera, internet communications, multimedia playback, and output on a display. Recently, these portable electronic devices may also be used for games.

One type of portable electronic device is a folder type device. This type includes two housings that rotate relative to one another. The display of the device is arranged on only one housing, while the other housing comprises an input device, such as a keyboard, with which the user inputs commands. The foldable electronic device may be unfolded when in use and folded for easy stowage when not in use. However, the display of such a folding electronic device may be relatively small, as the display is contained in only one housing.

In recent years, another type of foldable electronic device has been developed to include a flexible display that can be easily folded and retracted when not in use, as with a folding type. But unlike a folding display, a foldable display may be arranged on both housings, allowing the display to be increased in size. The foldable electronic device may comprise a display arranged on two housings connected for rotation relative to each other. The flexible display may include a partial region that may be deformed into a curved surface or a flat surface. When the foldable electronic device is used, the two housings may be unfolded to provide a large screen to the user, and when the foldable electronic device is not used, the two housings may be folded to provide portability.

The above information is presented merely as background information to aid in the understanding of the present disclosure. No determination is made, nor an assertion is made, as to whether any of the above may be used as prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

Disclosure of Invention

The hinge module may be used in a foldable electronic device, and may include a fixed structure fixedly coupled to the housing, and a rotating structure rotating relative to the fixed structure. The rotating structure may be arranged on the opposite side of the stationary structure with respect to the connecting shaft. However, when an impact is applied to an electronic device including the hinge module, for example, when the electronic device is dropped, the rotating structure may be separated from the housing. Furthermore, the hinge module may additionally comprise a separate elastic member which applies a coupling force to the rotating structure and the stationary structure in the direction of the connecting shaft. Based on this, the number of parts of the hinge module is relatively large, and thus an assembly process for the hinge module may be complicated.

Aspects of the present disclosure will solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages described above and provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a hinge module including a structure capable of maintaining coupling of a rotating structure and a fixed structure even when external impact is applied, and an electronic device including the hinge module.

The problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described problems, and any other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge module includes: a first fixed structure, the first fixed structure comprising: a first center portion; a first support portion extending from the first center portion in a first direction; and a first guide portion extending from the first support portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second fixing structure, the second fixing structure comprising: a second center portion coupled to a side of the first center portion facing a second direction opposite to the first direction; a second support portion extending from the second center portion in a second direction; and a second guide portion extending from the second support portion in a fourth direction perpendicular to the second direction, the second fixing structure being integrally or removably coupled to the first fixing structure; a first connection shaft including a first gear formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface thereof, the first connection shaft extending in a first direction and passing through at least a portion of a first center portion of the first fixing structure such that at least a portion of the first gear is disposed between the first center portion and the first guide portion; a first rotating structure disposed between the first guide portion and the first center portion and including a first circular arc gear engaged with the first gear, the first rotating structure being coupled with the first connection shaft to rotate about a first virtual rotation axis passing through a center of a circular arc of the first circular arc gear; a second coupling shaft including a second gear formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface thereof, the second coupling shaft extending in a second direction and passing through at least a portion of a second center portion of the second fixing structure such that at least a portion of the second gear is disposed between the second center portion and the second guide portion, the first coupling shaft and the second coupling shaft being linked to each other such that they rotate in opposite directions; and a second rotating structure disposed between the second guide portion and the second center portion and including a second circular arc gear engaged with the second gear, the second rotating structure configured to rotate around a second virtual rotation axis passing through a center of a circular arc of the second circular arc gear by rotation of the second connection shaft.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge module includes: a fixed structure, the fixed structure comprising: a center portion; a guide portion having an edge facing an edge of the center portion; and a support portion configured to connect the central portion and the guide portion, with an internal space formed therebetween; a connection shaft extending through the central portion to the inner space and including a gear formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the connection shaft; and a rotating structure disposed in the inner space and including a circular arc gear including a plurality of gear teeth disposed in a circular arc shape and engaged with the gear, wherein the rotating structure rotates around a virtual rotation axis passing through a center of a circular arc of the circular arc gear.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a housing structure, the housing structure comprising: a first housing; a second housing; and a hinge housing disposed between the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display disposed on the housing structure to extend from the first housing to the second housing, and comprising: a first region formed by a flat surface of the first housing; a second region formed by a flat surface of the second housing; and a folding region formed between the first region and the second region and configured to fold flat or curved; and a hinge module disposed in the hinge housing and rotating the first housing about a first virtual rotation axis extending in the first direction and rotating the second housing about a second virtual rotation axis parallel to the first virtual rotation axis. The hinge module includes: a fixed structure fixedly disposed in the hinge housing and comprising: a center portion; a first support portion extending from the center in a first direction; a first guide portion extending from the first support portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second support portion extending from the center in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a second guide portion extending from the second support portion in a fourth direction perpendicular to the second direction; a first rotating structure disposed between the first guide portion and the center portion and connected with the first housing; and a second rotating structure disposed between the second guide portion and the center portion and connected with the second housing.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

Drawings

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a view showing a flat state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment;

fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a flat state and a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

fig. 4 is a view showing the inside of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

fig. 5 is a view showing the inside of a hinge housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a state in which first and second rotating structures of a hinge module according to an embodiment are rotated by an angle of 45 degrees;

fig. 10 is a sectional view showing a state in which first and second rotating structures of a hinge module according to an embodiment are rotated by an angle of 90 degrees;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a securing structure of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a rotating structure of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

fig. 14 is a view showing the assembly of the first fixed structure and the first rotating structure according to the embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view showing movement of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

fig. 16 is a view showing an assembly of a first fixing structure and a first connection shaft of the hinge module according to the embodiment;

fig. 17 is a view showing the assembly of a first fixing structure of the hinge module and a sub gear according to an embodiment;

fig. 18 is a view showing the assembly of a second fixing structure assembled with a second rotating structure and a second connection shaft of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

fig. 19 is a view showing insertion-coupling of a first fixing structure and a second fixing structure of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

fig. 20 is a view showing welding of a first fixing structure and a second fixing structure of a hinge module according to another embodiment;

fig. 21 is a view showing the assembly of a hinge housing and a fixing structure of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a view showing invariance of displacement of a rotating structure when an external force is axially applied to a hinge module, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are perspective views of a hinge module according to an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a hinge module according to an embodiment; and

fig. 25A and 25B are views illustrating a rotational movement of the hinge module according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a view showing a flat state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a flat state and a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, a foldable electronic device 1 including a flexible display 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first housing 21, a second housing 22, a first cover 23, a second cover 24, and a hinge housing 25.

Hereinafter, the flat state may refer to a state in which the electronic apparatus 1 is fully unfolded so that an angle of 180 degrees is formed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, and the folded state may refer to a state in which the electronic apparatus 1 is fully folded so that an angle of about 0 degrees is formed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. In the folded state, at least a portion of the first housing 21 may be in contact with at least a portion of the second housing 22.

In an embodiment, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be connected to each other to form a body of the electronic device 1. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be connected so as to be rotatable with respect to each other. The front side of the first housing 21 and the front side of the second housing 22 may form one plane when the electronic device 1 is in a flat state, and the front side of the first housing 21 and the front side of the second housing 22 may face each other when the electronic device 1 is in a folded state.

In an embodiment, the first and second cases 21 and 22 may be manufactured by injection molding a synthetic resin, or may be made of metal such as stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be made of various other materials. Accordingly, portions of the first and second housings 21 and 22 may be made of various metallic or non-metallic materials, and may have various rigidity characteristics to support the flexible display 3.

In an embodiment, a portion of the flexible display 3 may be disposed on at least a portion of the front side of the first housing 21, and the remaining portion of the flexible display 3 may be disposed on at least a portion of the front side of the second housing 22. That is, the flexible display 3 may be formed on at least one side of the first housing 21 and at least one side of the second housing 22, and may be deformable. The first and second cases 21 and 22 may have separate spaces therein in which electronic components such as a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board 6 of fig. 3) and a battery (not shown) are received. These electronic components are required for driving the flexible display 3. The first cover 23 may be assembled at the rear side of the first housing 21, and the second cover 24 may be assembled at the rear side of the second housing 22. Accordingly, the first cover 23 and the second cover 24 can prevent the electronic component from being exposed to the outside of the apparatus, and prevent foreign substances such as dust or moisture from penetrating into the electronic component, and prevent the electronic component from being damaged due to friction or impact.

In an embodiment, the hinge housing 25 may be disposed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. The hinge housing 25 may cover the outside of a hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly 4 of fig. 3) connecting the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, and may protect the hinge assembly. As shown in fig. 2, when the electronic apparatus 1 is in a flat state, the hinge housing 25 may be substantially covered by the first cover 23 and the second cover 24 so as not to be exposed to the outside. Conversely, when the electronic apparatus 1 is in the folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing 25 may be exposed to the outside from between the side of the first housing 21 and the side of the second housing 22.

As the electronic apparatus 1 expands to the flat state, the space between the side of the first casing 21 and the side of the second casing 22 may gradually become narrower. Further, opposite sides of the hinge housing 25 may be inserted into the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. When the electronic apparatus 1 is in a completely flat state, the hinge housing 25 may be covered by the first cover 23 and the second cover 24, and may not be exposed to the outside. As the electronic apparatus 1 is folded to the folded state, the space between the side of the first casing 21 and the side of the second casing 22 may gradually widen. Opposite sides of the hinge housing 25 may be gradually exposed by the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. At least a portion of the hinge housing 25 may be exposed when the electronic device 1 is in a fully folded state. However, even in this case, the first cover 23 and the second cover 24 may cover some of the remaining portions of the hinge housing 25 (e.g., side edges of the hinge housing 25).

In an embodiment, the electronic apparatus 1 may include a waterproof member (not shown) to prevent foreign substances such as dust or moisture from penetrating into the first and second cases 21 and 22. The waterproof member may be formed between the flexible display 3 and the first and second cases 21 and 22, or between the first and second cases 21 and 22, such that the waterproof member fills a void or gap generated during assembly thereof, thereby sealing an inner space of the cases.

In an embodiment, the flexible display 3 may display (output) information processed in the electronic device 1. For example, the flexible display 3 may display execution screen information of an application program running in the electronic device 1, which may include a User Interface (UI) or a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The flexible display 3 according to some disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure may deform under the force of external force. The deformation may be at least one of bending, folding, twisting or winding of the flexible display 3.

In an embodiment, when no external force is applied to the flexible display 3, the display area of the flexible display 3 may be a flat surface. That is, the flexible display 3 may have an infinite radius of curvature without deformation. On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the flexible display 3, the display area of the flexible display 3 may be a curved surface. That is, at least a portion of the flexible display 3 may have a limited radius of curvature when deformed. Information may be displayed on the curved surface. The illumination of the sub-pixels arranged in a matrix form may be independently controlled to display visual information. The sub-pixel may refer to a minimum unit for realizing a color. For example, a pixel may include 3 sub-pixels for implementing red, green, and blue.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 3, the electronic device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a hinge assembly 4, a hinge plate 5, and a printed circuit board 6.

In an embodiment, the hinge assembly 4 may couple the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 together to allow the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 to rotate relative to each other. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may preferably have the same size shape and are symmetrical to each other with respect to the symmetry axis F (refer to fig. 2). Further, the hinge assembly 4 may be connected to adjacent edges of the first and second cases 21 and 22. The first and second housings 21, 22 may then be rotated about the hinge assembly 4.

In an embodiment, the hinge assembly 4 may include a plurality of hinge modules. The articulation modules may include a geared articulation module (e.g., 40 of fig. 5) that uses gears and a gearless articulation module (e.g., 400 of fig. 5) that does not use gears. The gear hinge module 40 may rotate the first hinge housing 21 and the second housing 22 using gears. Therefore, even if a rotational force is applied to only one of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, the other housing can be rotated together symmetrically. That is, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 can rotate interdependently with each other. Conversely, gears may not be included in the gearless hinge module 400, and only the rotation guide structure may be included. Accordingly, the gearless hinge module 400 can reduce noise generated by the rotation of the housings 21 and 22.

In an embodiment, the printed circuit board 6 may be disposed between the first cover 23 and the first housing 21 or between the second cover 24 and the second housing 22. Alternatively, when a plurality of printed circuit boards 6 are provided, the printed circuit boards 6 may be disposed between the first cover 23 and the first housing 21 and between the second cover 24 and the second housing 22. The electronic components required for driving the electronic device 1 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 6. For example, a processor, memory, communication circuitry, antenna, microphone, speaker and/or camera may be mounted on the printed circuit board 6.

The electronic device 1 according to some embodiments may further comprise a battery (not shown). The battery may generate electric power and may supply the electric power to the inside of the electronic apparatus 1. The battery may be disposed between the first cover 23 and the first case 21 or between the second cover 24 and the second case 22.

Fig. 4 is a view showing the inside of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

The hinge housing 25 may be disposed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. In addition, as shown in fig. 4, when the first cover 23 and the second cover 24 are removed, opposite sides of the hinge housing 25 may be disposed on the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, respectively. Therefore, if the first cover 23 and the second cover 24 are assembled, and when the electronic apparatus 1 is unfolded, the opposite sides of the hinge housing 25 may be interposed between the first cover 23 and the first housing 21 and between the second cover 24 and the second housing 22.

In an embodiment, the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may have separate spaces therein. Thus, as shown in fig. 4, the electronic components required to drive the flexible display 3 may be arranged in separate spaces.

Fig. 5 is a view showing the inside of a hinge housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the hinge housing 25 may cover the exterior of the hinge assembly 4 and may protect the hinge assembly 4. Thus, as shown in fig. 5, when the hinge housing 25 is removed, the hinge assembly 4 is shown disposed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 to connect the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

In an embodiment, the gear hinge module 40 may be coupled with the rotational movement of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. The first housing 21 and the second housing 22 may be configured to be parallel to each other about the axis F (see fig. 2), but may be rotatable about different rotation axes. When the first casing 21 and the second casing 22 are independently rotated without being linked to each other, sliding may occur between the first casing 21 and the second casing 22 even when the electronic apparatus 1 is folded. Thus, the electronic device 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise at least one gear hinge module 40.

In an embodiment, in order to reduce noise generated between gears, the electronic device 1 may include one gear hinge module 40 and a plurality of gearless hinge modules 400. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the gear hinge module 40 may be disposed at the center of the hinge housing 25, and the gearless hinge module 400 may be disposed at the opposite side of the hinge housing 25.

In an embodiment, the hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly 4 of fig. 3) may preferably include a plurality of hinge modules to allow the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 to stably rotate. The hinge assembly 4 of the electronic device 1 disclosed herein may include various hinge modules, and is not limited to the configuration shown in fig. 2. Hereinafter, in the following examples, the articulation modules disclosed herein may include a gear articulation module 40.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a hinge module according to an embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge module 40 may include: a fixing structure 41; a first connection shaft 431 and a second connection shaft 432 penetrating a portion of the fixing structure 41; and a first rotation structure 421 and a second rotation structure 422 coupled to the fixed structure 41.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing structure 41 may include: central portions 411a and 412a; a first supporting portion 411b extending from the center 411a in the first direction; a second support portion 412b extending from the center 412a in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a first guide portion 411c extending from the first support portion 411b in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second guide portion 412c extending from the second support portion 412b in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, an edge of the first guide portion 411c may face an edge of the center portion 411 a. This creates a space accommodating the first rotating structure 421, which first rotating structure 421 may be arranged between the first guide portion 411c and the central portion 411 a. The first support portion 411b together with the first guide portion 411c and the central portion 411a may surround at least a portion of the first rotation structure 421.

In the illustrated embodiment, an edge of the second guide portion 412c may face an edge of the center portion 412 a. This creates a space to accommodate the second rotating structure 422, and the second rotating structure 422 may be disposed between the second guide portion 412c and the central portion 412 a. The second support portion 412b, together with the second guide portion 412c and the central portion 412a, may enclose at least a portion of the second rotating structure 422.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing structure 41 may include a first fixing structure 411, the first fixing structure 411 including a central portion 411a, a first guide portion 411c, and a first support portion 411b. The fixing structure 41 may further include a second fixing structure 412, the second fixing structure 412 including a central portion 412a, a second guide portion 412c, and a second support portion 412b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central portions 411a and 412a may include a sub-gear 44, the sub-gear 44 being configured to link a first gear 4341 included in the first connection shaft 431 and a second gear 4342 included in the second connection shaft 432. The sub gear 44 may be disposed between the first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412. An even number of sub gears 44 may be provided to allow the first connection shaft 431 and the second connection shaft 432 to rotate in opposite directions.

In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the first connection shaft 431 may be disposed to overlap the central portion 412a of the fixing structure 41. The first connection shaft 431 may pass through the central portion 411a of the fixing structure 41 such that the remaining portion of the first connection shaft 431 extends between the first guide portion 411c and the central portion 411 a. The first connection shaft 431 may have a first gear 4341 formed on at least a portion of a first outer circumferential surface thereof. The first connection shaft 431 may pass through the central portion 411a such that at least a portion of the first gear 4341 is located between the first guide portion 411c and the central portion 411 a. The portion of the first gear 4341 between the first guide portion 411c and the central portion 411a may be engaged with the first internal gear 4241 of the first rotating structure 421, the first internal gear 4241 being disposed in a space between the first guide portion 411c and the central portion 411 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the second connection shaft 432 may be disposed to overlap the central portion 411a of the fixed structure 41. The second connection shaft 432 may pass through the central portion 412a of the fixing structure 41 such that the remaining portion of the second connection shaft 432 extends between the second guide portion 412c and the central portion 412 a. The second connection shaft 432 may have a second gear 4342 formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface thereof. The second connection shaft 432 may pass through the central portion 412a such that at least a portion of the second gear 4342 is located between the second guide portion 412c and the central portion 412 a. A portion of the second gear 4342 between the second guide portion 412c and the center portion 412a may be engaged with the second internal gear 4242 of the second rotating structure 422, the second internal gear 4242 being disposed in a space between the second guide portion 412c and the center portion 412 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotating structure 421 may be disposed between the first guide portion 411c and the central portion 411a of the fixed structure 41. The first rotating structure 421 may contact the first guide 411c of the fixed structure 41 in the first direction. The first rotating structure 421 may be in contact with the central portion 411a of the fixed structure 41 in the second direction. The first rotating structure 421 may be in contact with the first supporting portion 411b of the fixed structure 41 in the fourth direction. Since the first rotating structure 421 is disposed between the central portion 411a and the first guide portion 411c, the displacement of the first rotating structure 421 can be fixed in the direction of the connection shafts (the first connection shaft 431 and the second connection shaft 432).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotating structure 421 may include a first inner gear 4241. The first internal gear 4241 may be meshed with the first gear 4341 of the first connection shaft 431. The first internal gear 4241 may be, for example, a gear formed along an inner circumferential surface of an opening formed in the first rotating structure 421. In an embodiment, the first internal gear 4241 may be a circular arc internal gear including a plurality of gear teeth arranged in a circular arc shape along an inner circumferential surface of the opening. The central axis of the circular arc may be perpendicular to the third and fourth directions, and may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the first connection shaft 431.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotating structure 422 may be disposed between the second guide portion 412c and the central portion 412a of the fixed structure 41. The second rotating structure 422 may contact the second guide portion 412c of the fixed structure 41 in the second direction. The second rotating structure 422 may contact the central portion 412a of the fixed structure 41 in the first direction. The second rotating structure 422 may contact the second supporting portion 412b of the fixed structure 41 in the third direction. Since the second rotating structure 422 is disposed between the center portion 412a and the second guide portion 412c, the displacement of the second rotating structure 422 can be fixed in the direction of the connection shafts (the first connection shaft 431 and the second connection shaft 432).

In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotating structure 422 may include a second inner gear 4242. The second internal gear 4242 may mesh with the second gear 4342 of the second connection shaft 432. The second internal gear 4242 may be, for example, a gear formed along an inner circumferential surface of an opening formed in the second rotation structure 422. In an embodiment, the second internal gear 4242 may be a circular arc internal gear including a plurality of gear teeth arranged in a circular arc shape along an inner circumferential surface of the opening. The central axis of the circular arc may be perpendicular to the third and fourth directions, and may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the second connection shaft 432.

Hereinafter, the hinge motion of the hinge module shown in fig. 6 will be described with reference to fig. 7 to 10.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge module according to an embodiment. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of fig. 6.

Referring to fig. 7, the rotating structures 421 and 422 may include an opening 426 formed therein in a substantially circular arc shape and an internal gear 424 formed on an inner wall of the opening 426. The inner gear 424 (e.g., the first inner gear 4241 or the second inner gear 4242 of fig. 6) may include a plurality of gear teeth formed on a substantially circular arc surface. The internal gear 424 may be engaged with a gear 434 (e.g., the first gear 4341 or the second gear 4342 of fig. 7) formed on the connection shaft 43 (e.g., the first connection shaft 431 or the second connection shaft 432 of fig. 6). The rotation of the internal gear 424 may be linked with the rotation of the connection shaft 43. The gear 434 may be rotated in a state that its position is fixed by the connection shaft 43 disposed in the through hole, and the rotating structures 421 and 422 may be rotated about the first and second virtual rotation axes H1 and H2, respectively. The first virtual rotation axis H1 may be an axis passing through the center of the opening 426 of the first rotation structure 421, wherein the opening 426 has a circular arc shape. The second virtual rotation axis H2 may be an axis passing through the center of the opening 426 of the second rotation structure 422, and similarly have a circular arc shape.

In an embodiment, the first rotating structure 421 may rotate about the first virtual rotation axis H1. The first rotation structure 421 may include a first surface 4271 facing a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 3 of fig. 2) in a flat state and a second surface 4272 curved and spaced apart from the first virtual rotation axis H1 by a predetermined distance in a radial direction. For example, the first rotating structure 421 may be substantially semi-circular.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotation structure 421 may rotate such that the second surface 4272 follows a first path P1 spaced apart from the first virtual rotation axis H1 by a predetermined interval. In other words, the first path P1 indicated by a dotted line in the drawing may be a path of the second surface 4272 of the first rotation structure 421 rotated about the first virtual rotation axis H1.

In an embodiment, the internal gear 424 (e.g., the second internal gear 4242 of fig. 6) included in the second rotating structure 422 may be engaged with the gear 434 (e.g., the second gear 4342 of fig. 6) of the connection shaft 43 (e.g., the second connection shaft 432 of fig. 6), and the second rotating structure 422 may rotate as the first rotating structure 421. However, the rotation direction of the second rotation structure 422 may be opposite to that of the first rotation structure 421. The second rotating structure 422 may rotate about the second virtual rotation axis H2. The second rotational structure 422 may include a first surface 4273 facing a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 3 of fig. 2) and a second surface 4274 curved and spaced a predetermined distance from the second virtual rotational axis H2 in a radial direction. For example, the second rotating structure 422 may also be substantially semi-circular.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotating structure 422 may rotate such that the second surface 4274 follows a second path P2 spaced apart from the second virtual rotation axis H2 by a predetermined interval. That is, the second path P2 indicated by a dotted line in the drawing may be a path of the second surface 4274 of the second rotation structure 422 rotated about the second virtual rotation axis H2.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge module according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line B-B' of fig. 6.

Referring to fig. 8, the hinge module 40 may include a plurality of gears. The plurality of gears may include: a first internal gear 4241; a first gear 4341 meshed with the first internal gear 4241; a first sub gear 441 engaged with the first gear 4341; a second sub gear 442 engaged with the first sub gear 441; a second gear 4342 meshed with the second sub gear 442; and a second internal gear 4242 meshed with the second gear 4342. The first connection shaft 431 and the second connection shaft 432 may be connected via a sub gear 44 disposed between the first gear 4341 and the second gear 4342. The first sub gear 441 may be engaged with the first gear 4341 and the second sub gear 442. The second sub gear 442 may be meshed with the first sub gear 441 and the second gear 443. The even number of sub gears 44 may be arranged to rotate the first rotation structure 421 and the second rotation structure 422 in opposite directions. For example, when the second rotating structure 422 and the second internal gear 4242 rotate in the first rotating direction (clockwise direction when the electronic apparatus 1 is folded into the folded state), the second connection shaft 432 may rotate in the second rotating direction (counterclockwise direction), the second sub-gear 442 may rotate in the first rotating direction (clockwise direction), the first sub-gear 441 may rotate in the second rotating direction (counterclockwise direction), the first connection shaft 431 may rotate in the first rotating direction (clockwise direction), and the first internal gear 4241 and the first rotating structure 421 may rotate in the second rotating direction (counterclockwise direction). Accordingly, the first rotation structure 421 and the second rotation structure 422 may rotate in opposite directions.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a state in which first and second rotating structures of a hinge module according to an embodiment are rotated by an angle of 45 degrees. Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of fig. 6.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view showing a state in which first and second rotating structures of a hinge module according to an embodiment are rotated by an angle of 90 degrees. Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line A-A' of fig. 6.

Referring to fig. 9, the internal gear 424 may be engaged with the first gear 4341 of the first connection shaft 431, and thus the first rotating structure 421 may be connected with the first connection shaft 431 to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first connection shaft 431. As shown in fig. 8, the second rotating structure 422 may rotate in a direction opposite to the rotating direction of the first rotating structure 421.

Referring to fig. 9, the first rotating structure 421 may rotate in a counterclockwise direction along the path P1, and the second rotating structure 422 may rotate in a clockwise direction along the path P2. At this time, the first connection shaft 431 including the first gear 4341 engaged with the inner gear 424 of the first rotating structure 421 may be rotated in a clockwise direction, and the second connection shaft 432 including the second gear 4342 engaged with the inner gear 424 of the second rotating structure 422 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

Referring to fig. 10, the first internal gear 4241 may be between the first connection shaft 431 and the first virtual rotation shaft H1. The first internal gear 4241 may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the opening 426 having a circular arc shape. And in the configuration shown in fig. 10, the first internal gear 4241 may be formed on a surface of the opening 426 adjacent to the first virtual rotation axis H1. The second internal gear 4242 may be between the second connection shaft 432 and the second virtual rotation shaft H2. The second internal gear 4242 may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the opening 426 having a circular arc shape. And in the configuration shown in fig. 10, the first internal gear 4241 may form a surface of the opening 426 adjacent to the second virtual rotation axis H2.

Referring to fig. 10, the flexible display 3 may include metal layers 31 and 32 facing the first surface 4271 of the first rotary structure 421 and the first surface 4273 of the second rotary structure 422. The metal layers 31 and 32 may be attached to the rear surface of the flexible display 3 to improve the surface quality of the flexible display 3. The metal layers 31 and 32 may not be attached to the folded region of the flexible display 3 (e.g., the region shown in the drawings as the curved surface of the flexible display).

Accordingly, in a state in which the first rotating structure 421 and the second rotating structure 422 are rotated, the unattached regions 311 and 312 may extend toward the inside of the recess 418 formed in the fixed structure 41 adjacent to the folded region (e.g., the region shown as a curved surface in the drawings) of the flexible display 3. Unattached regions 311 and 312 may be at least partially received in recess 418. The recess 418 of the securing structure 41 may have a depth sufficient to receive the unattached regions 311 and 321. Accordingly, the metal layers 31 and 32 may have a wider area than the flat area of the flexible display 3, thereby improving the surface quality of the flexible display 3.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge module according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 11, the hinge module 40 may include: a first fixing structure 411; a second fixing structure 412 coupled to a side of the first fixing structure 411 facing the second direction; a first rotating structure 421 coupled to the first fixed structure 411; a second rotating structure 422 coupled to the second stationary structure 412; a first connection shaft 431 and a second connection shaft 432 passing through at least a portion of the first fixing structure 411 and at least a portion of the second fixing structure 412, respectively; and a sub gear 44 disposed between the first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing structure 411 may include: a first central portion 411a; a first supporting portion 411b extending from the first center portion 411a in the first direction; and a first guide portion 411c extending from the first support portion 411b in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, an edge of the first guide portion 411c may face an edge of the first center portion 411 a. The first rotating structure 421 may be disposed between the first guide portion 411c and the first central portion 411 a. The first support portion 411b together with the first guide portion 411c and the first center portion 411a may enclose the first rotation structure 421.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second securing structure 412 may include: a second central portion 412a; a second supporting portion 412b extending from the second center portion 412a in the second direction; and a second guide portion 412c extending from the second support portion 412b in a fourth direction perpendicular to the second direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, an edge of the second guide portion 412c may face an edge of the second center portion 412 a. The second rotating structure 422 may be disposed between the second guide portion 412c and the second center portion 412 a. The second support portion 412b, together with the second guide portion 412c and the second center portion 412a, may enclose the second rotating structure 422.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first central portion 411a of the first fixing structure 411 may include a first coupling protrusion 4111 protruding from the first central portion 411a in the second direction. The second central portion 412a of the second fixing structure 412 may include a second coupling protrusion 4121 protruding from the second central portion 412a in the first direction. The first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412 may be coupled by inserting the first coupling protrusion 4111 into a recess formed on the second fixing structure 412 and inserting the second coupling protrusion 4121 into a recess formed on the first fixing structure 411. The sub gear 44 may be disposed between the first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412. In some embodiments, the first and second fixing structures 411 and 412 may be coupled by welding.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection shaft 431 may be at least partially disposed in the first and second fixing structures 411 and 412. The first connection shaft 431 may pass through at least a portion of the first fixing structure 411 and at least a portion of the second fixing structure 412.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second connection shaft 432 may be at least partially disposed in the first and second fixation structures 411 and 412. The second connection shaft 432 may pass through at least a portion of the first fixing structure 411 and at least a portion of the second fixing structure 412.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second connection shafts 431 and 432 may include first and second gears 4341 and 4342, respectively, formed on outer circumferential surfaces thereof. The sub gear 44 may be disposed between the first gear 4341 and the second gear 4342. An even number of sub gears 44 may be provided to allow the first gear 4341 and the second gear 4342 to rotate in opposite directions. The first sub gear 441 may be engaged with the first gear 4341 and the second gear 4342, and the second sub gear 442 may be engaged with the second gear 4342 and the first sub gear 441. The sub gear 44 may be disposed between the first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central portions 411a and 412a may include a sub gear 44, the sub gear 44 being configured to connect a first gear 4341 included in the first connection shaft 431 and a second gear 4342 included in the second connection shaft 432. The gear 44 may be disposed between the first and second fixed structures 411 and 412.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotating structure 421 may be disposed between the first center portion 411a and the first guide portion 411c of the first fixing structure 411 to contact the first supporting portion 411 b. The first rotating structure 421 may include a first fastening rod 4251, and the first rotating structure 421 is fastened to a first housing (e.g., the first housing 21 of fig. 3) by the first fastening rod 4251. The first fastening lever 4251 may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotating structure 422 may be disposed between the second center portion 412a and the second guide portion 412c of the second fixing structure 412 to contact the second supporting portion 412 b. The second rotation structure 422 may include a second fastening rod 4252, and the second rotation structure 422 is fastened to a second housing (e.g., the second housing 22 of fig. 3) by the second fastening rod 4252. The second fastening lever 4252 may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fixing structure of the hinge module according to the embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a rotating structure of a hinge module according to an embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing structure 41 (e.g., the first securing structure 411 or the second securing structure 412 of fig. 11) may include: a central portion 41a (e.g., 411a or 412a of fig. 11); a guide portion 41c (e.g., 411c or 412c of fig. 11) whose edge faces the center portion 41a; and a supporting portion 41b (e.g., 411b or 412b of fig. 11) that connects the central portion 41a and the guide portion 41c. A space 415 may be formed between the guide portion 41c, the center portion 41a, and the support portion 41 b. As described above, the rotating structure 42 may be disposed in the space 415.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed structure 41 may include a guide structure 414 for guiding the rotating structure 42 arranged in the space 415. The guide structure 414 may protrude toward the rotation structure 42 disposed in the space 415. The central portion 41a may include a first guide structure 4141 protruding toward the rotating structure 42. At least a portion of the first guide structure 4141 may be received in the first rail 4231 of the rotating structure 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support 41b may include a guide surface 4143 for supporting rotation of the rotating structure 42. The guide surface 4143 may include a circular arc surface having a curvature corresponding to the rotational curvature of the rotating structure 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide portion 41c may include a second guide structure 4142 protruding toward the rotation structure 42. At least a portion of the second guide structure 4142 may be received in the second rail 4232 of the rotating structure 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second guide structures 4141, 4142 may include: a first region 414a having a first radius of curvature with respect to a virtual rotational axis (e.g., H1 or H2 of fig. 7); and a second region 414b having a second radius of curvature with respect to the virtual rotational axis.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 41a may include: a first insertion hole 4171 into which at least a portion of a first connection shaft (e.g., the first connection shaft 431 of fig. 11) is inserted; a second insertion hole 4172 into which at least a portion of a second connection shaft (e.g., second connection shaft 432 of fig. 11) is inserted; a third insertion hole 4173 into which at least a portion of a first sub-gear (e.g., the first sub-gear 441 of fig. 11) is inserted; and a fourth insertion hole 4174 into which at least a portion of a second sub gear (e.g., the second sub gear 442 of fig. 11) is inserted.

Referring to fig. 13, the rotating structure 42 may include a first rail 4231 in which at least a portion of the first guide structure 4141 is received and a second rail 4232 in which at least a portion of the second guide structure 4142 is received.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rail 4231 and the second rail 4232 may include a first corresponding region 423a and a second corresponding region 423b, respectively. The first corresponding region 423a may be in contact with the first region 414a of the first guide structure 4141 and the second corresponding region 423b may be in contact with the second region 414b of the second guide structure 4142. The first and second corresponding regions 423a and 423b may include circular arc surfaces having curvatures corresponding to the radii of curvature of the first and second regions 414a and 414b, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second corresponding regions 423b of the rails 4231 and 4232 may be greater than the second region 414b. For example, the center angle of the circular arc surface of the second region 414b may be smaller than the center angle of the circular arc surface of the second corresponding region 423b. This may be because the first and second guide structures 4141 and 4142 do not extend into the recess 418 formed on the fixing structure 41. That is, when the fixing structure 41 is viewed from above, the second regions 414b of the first and second guide structures 4141 and 4142 may not overlap with the inner space of the recess 418. This is because, in the case where a portion of the first guide structure 4141 and a portion of the second guide structure 4142 are formed in the recess 418, as described above, the rotational paths of the metal layers 31 and 32 of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 3 of fig. 10) may coincide with the first guide structure 4141 and the second guide structure 4142.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating structure 42 may include differently shaped first and second rails 4231, 4232. For example, in the direction of the virtual rotation axis (e.g., H1 or H2 of fig. 7), the second rail 4232 may have a greater depth than the first rail 4231. This is designed to prevent the direction of the rotating structure 42 from being changed when the rotating structure 42 is assembled to the fixed structure 41. Referring to fig. 13, the rotating structure 42 may be arranged such that a portion on which the fastening rod 425 is formed is away from the support 41b. In order to guide the correct assembly direction of the rotating structure 42, the first guide structure 4141 of the fixed structure 41 may protrude farther toward the rotating structure 42 than the second guide structure 4142, and accordingly, the first rail 4231 may have a greater depth than the second rail 4232.

Fig. 14 is a view showing the assembly of the first fixed structure and the first rotating structure according to the embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotating structure 421 may be rotated such that the first guide structure 4141 of the first fixing structure 411 is inserted into one end portion of the first rail 4231. At this time, the first rotating structure 421 may rotate around a virtual rotation axis (e.g., H1 of fig. 7). The first space 4151 is adapted to receive the first rotating structure 421. Accordingly, the first rotating structure 421 may be easily inserted into the first space 4151.

According to an embodiment, the second guide structure 4142 of the first fixing structure 411 may be formed on the first guide portion 411c, and the first guide structure 4141 of the first fixing structure 411 may be formed on the first center portion 411 a. The first rail 4231 and the second rail 4232 may be concavely formed on opposite sides of the first rotation structure 421. Accordingly, the ends of the guide structures 4141 and 4142 may be inserted into the inlets of the guide rails 4321 and 4232.

Referring to fig. 14, the first rotating structure 421 may be inserted into the first space 4151 by sliding along the guide surface 4143 in a state where the guide structures 4141 and 4142 are received in the guide rails 4231 and 4232. The sliding movement of the rotating structure 421 may include rotation of the first rotating structure 421 about a virtual rotation axis (e.g., H1 of fig. 7).

Fig. 15 is a view illustrating movement of the hinge module according to an embodiment.

The hinge module 40 may include a fixed structure 41 and rotating structures 421 and 422. The first rotating structure 421 may be surrounded by the first central portion 411a, the first guide portion 411c, and the first support portion 411 b. The second rotating structure 422 may be surrounded by the second central portion 412a, the second guide portion 412c, and the second support portion 412 b. The first connection shaft 431 may pass through at least a portion of the first central portion 411a, at least a portion of the second central portion 412a, and the first rotation structure 421, and the second connection shaft 432 may pass through at least a portion of the first central portion 411a, at least a portion of the second central portion 412a, and the second rotation structure 422. The even number of sub-gears 441 and 442 may be disposed between the first connection shaft 431 and the second connection shaft 432. Accordingly, the first rotation structure 421 and the second rotation structure 422 may rotate in opposite directions.

For example, when the first rotating structure 421 rotates in the first rotating direction (counterclockwise direction), the first connection shaft 431 may rotate in the second rotating direction (clockwise direction), the first sub gear 441 may rotate in the first rotating direction (counterclockwise direction), the second sub gear 442 may rotate in the second rotating direction (clockwise direction), the second connection shaft 432 may rotate in the first rotating direction (counterclockwise direction), and the second rotating structure 422 may rotate in the second rotating direction (clockwise direction).

Fig. 16 is a view showing an assembly of a first fixing structure and a first connection shaft of the hinge module according to the embodiment. Fig. 17 is a view showing the assembly of a first fixing structure of the hinge module and a sub gear according to an embodiment. Fig. 18 is a view showing the assembly of a second fixing structure assembled with a second rotating structure and a second connection shaft of a hinge module according to an embodiment. Fig. 19 is a view showing insertion-coupling of a first fixing structure and a second fixing structure of a hinge module according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 16, the first fixing structure 411 may have a first insertion hole 4171 into which the first connection shaft 431 is inserted. The first connection shaft 431 may be inserted into the first insertion hole 4171. At this time, the portion of the first connection shaft 431 where the first gear 4341 is formed may not be inserted into the first fixing structure 411. Fig. 19 is a view showing the assembly of the first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412 of the hinge module according to the embodiment.

Referring to fig. 17, the first fixing structure 411 may have insertion holes 4173 and 4174 into which the sub gears 441 and 442 are inserted. After the first connection shaft 431 is assembled, the first sub gear 441 may be inserted into the third insertion hole 4173 formed in the first fixing structure 411, and the second sub gear 442 may be inserted into the fourth insertion hole 4174. The first and second sub gears 441 and 442 may be inserted into the third and fourth insertion holes 4173 and 4174, respectively, such that the first sub gear 441 is engaged with the first gear 4341 of the first connection shaft 431, and the first and second sub gears 441 and 442 are engaged with each other. The assembly of the second rotating structure 422 and the second stationary structure 412 is described above in connection with fig. 15.

Referring to fig. 18, the second fixing structure 412 may have a second insertion hole 4172 into which the second connection shaft 432 is inserted. The portion of the second connection shaft 432 where the second gear 4342 is formed may not be inserted into the second fixing structure 412.

Referring to fig. 19, the first and second fixing structures 411 and 412 may include first and second coupling protrusions 4111 and 4121, respectively. The first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412 may be coupled together such that the first coupling protrusion 4111 is inserted into the recess of the second fixing structure 412 and the second coupling protrusion 4121 is inserted into the recess of the first fixing structure 411.

Referring to fig. 19, the first and second fixing structures 411 and 412 may be arranged such that the first and second rotating structures 421 and 422 coupled to the first and second fixing structures 411 and 412, respectively, rotate in opposite directions. For example, the space in which the first and second rotating structures 421 and 422 are inserted may be opened in opposite directions (e.g., the fourth and third directions of fig. 8). That is, the coupling directions of the first and second rotating structures 421 and 422 to the fixed structures 411 and 412 may be opposite to each other, and the rotating directions of the first and second rotating structures 421 and 422 may be opposite to each other.

Fig. 20 is a view illustrating welding of first and second fixing structures of a hinge module according to another embodiment.

Referring to fig. 20, the first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412 may be coupled together by another method. For example, the first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412 may be coupled by welding W. The welding may be performed by electric welding, gas welding, laser welding, or the like. In another example, the first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412 may be coupled by a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like.

Fig. 21 is a view showing the assembly of the hinge housing and the fixing structure of the hinge module according to the embodiment.

Referring to fig. 21, the hinge structure 41 may include fastening holes 416 for fixing the fixing structure 41 to the hinge housing 25. The hinge housing 25 may include a rod 231 protruding from the inside of the hinge housing 25. The hinge module 40 may be mounted to the hinge housing 25 by mounting the guide parts 411c and 412c of the fixing structure 41 having the fixing holes 416 formed therein to the lever 231 formed on the inner side of the hinge housing 25. However, the coupling structure of the fixing structure 41 and the hinge housing 25 disclosed herein is not limited to the method shown in the drawings, but is merely an example.

The hinge module 40 according to embodiments disclosed herein may include a fixing structure 41, the fixing structure 41 including: a guide portion 41c and a center portion 41a that guide opposite end portions of the rotating structure 42 in the direction of the virtual rotation axis H1 or H2, thereby fixing displacement of the rotating structure 42 in the direction of the virtual rotation axis H1 or H2.

Fig. 22 is a view showing invariance of displacement of a rotating structure when an external force is axially applied to a hinge module according to an embodiment.

Referring to fig. 22, the fixing structure 41 may include a first fixing structure 411 and a second fixing structure 412 coupled to the first fixing structure 411. The first fixing structure 411 and the second fixing structure 412 may be coupled together by welding to form one fixing structure, or may be coupled together by removable insert-coupling, as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing structure 411 may include a first central portion 411a, a first supporting portion 411b, and a first guide portion 411c. At least a portion of the first rotating structure 421 may be surrounded by the first central portion 411a, the first supporting portion 411b, and the first guide portion 411c. The first rotating structure 421 may be disposed between the first central portion 411a and the first guide portion 411c.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second fixing structure 412 may include a second center portion 412a, a second support portion 412b, and a second guide portion 412c. At least a portion of the second rotating structure 422 may be surrounded by the second central portion 412a, the second support portion 412b, and the second guide portion 412c. The second rotating structure 422 may be disposed between the second center portion 412a and the second guide portion 412c.

In an embodiment, when an external force F is axially applied to the hinge module 40, the axial displacement of the first rotation structure 421 or the second rotation structure 422 may be restrained by the central portions 411a or 412a located on one side of the first and second fixing structures 411 and 412 and on the opposite side thereof.

For example, some articulation modules may include a separate resilient member to apply an axial restraining force to the rotating structure. In contrast, even if the hinge module 40 does not additionally include a separate elastic member, the hinge module 40 according to the embodiments disclosed herein may fix the axial displacement of the rotary structures 421 and 422. Accordingly, the hinge module 40 can be stably driven, so that reliability of the product can be improved. In addition, the number of components included in the hinge module 40 can be reduced, which makes it possible to simplify the assembly process and reduce the failure rate.

Fig. 23A and 23B are perspective views of a hinge module according to an embodiment. Fig. 24 is a plan view of a hinge module according to an embodiment. Fig. 25A and 25B are views illustrating a rotational movement of the hinge module according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, the hinge module described above with reference to fig. 6 to 22 is referred to as a first hinge module 40, and the hinge module described below is referred to as a second hinge module 50.

Referring to fig. 23A and 23B, the second hinge module 50 may include: a fixed structure 51; and a first rotational structure 521 and a second rotational structure 522 rotatably coupled to the fixed structure 51.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed structure 51 may include a first sidewall 511, a second sidewall 512, a third sidewall 513, and a fourth sidewall 514 facing the axes of rotation of the first and second rotating structures 521. The direction of the shaft is referred to herein as the axial direction. The third sidewall 513 and the fourth sidewall 514 may be disposed between the first sidewall 511 and the second sidewall 512. The first space 5191 may be formed between the first sidewall 511 and the second sidewall 512. The third sidewall 513 and the fourth sidewall 514 may be disposed in the first space 5191. A second space 5192 may be formed between the third sidewall 513 and the fourth sidewall 514. A third space 5193 may be formed between the first and third sidewalls 511 and 513 and between the second and fourth sidewalls 512 and 514.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotating structure 521 may include a body 521a and first and second extensions 521b and 521c extending from one side of the body 521 a. The first and second extension parts 521b and 521c may extend from the body 521a in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first and second extensions 521b and 521c may be disposed in the third space 5193. The body 521a of the first rotation structure 521 may be disposed in the first space 5191. The second rotation structure 522 may be disposed in the second space 5192.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sidewalls 511 and 512 may each include a first guide structure 5151 protruding toward the first and second extensions 521b and 521c. The first and second extensions 521b and 521c may each include a first rail 5251, with the first guide structure 5151 being at least partially received in the first rail 5251.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the third and fourth sidewalls 513 and 514 may include a second guide structure 5152 protruding toward the second rotation structure 522. The second rotation structure 522 may include a second rail 5252, at least a portion of the second guide structure 5152 being received in the second rail 5252.

In an embodiment, when in a flat state (fig. 23A), at least a portion of the second rotation structure 522 may be disposed between the first extension 521b and the second extension 521c of the first rotation structure 521.

As shown in fig. 25A and 25B, the first rotating structure 521 and the second rotating structure 522 may rotate around a first virtual rotation axis and a second virtual rotation axis, respectively. The first rail 5251 of the first rotating structure 521 may be circular arc-shaped. The first guide structure 5151 may be circular arc-shaped so as to be received in the first rail 5251. The second rail 5252 of the second rotating structure 522 may be circular arc-shaped. The second guide structure 5152 may be circular arc-shaped so as to be received in the second rail 5252.

Unlike the first hinge module 40 described above with reference to fig. 6 to 21, the second hinge module 50 shown in fig. 23A to 25B does not include a gear structure (e.g., the connection shaft 43 and the sub gear 44 of fig. 11) connecting the first and second rotation structures 521 and 522, and thus the first and second rotation structures 521 and 522 may be independently driven. Accordingly, the second hinge module 50 can be smoothly driven without noise or vibration caused by gear engagement. However, a hinge assembly of an electronic device (e.g., hinge assembly 4 of fig. 3) may include a second hinge module 50 and at least one first hinge module 40. Accordingly, the first rotating structure 521 and the second rotating structure 522 of the second hinge module 50 may be linked to each other through the first hinge module 40.

The hinge module 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first securing structure 411, comprising: a first central portion 411a; a first supporting portion 411b extending from the first central portion 411a in the first direction; and a first guide portion 411c extending from the first support portion 411b in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second securing structure 412, comprising: a second center portion 412a coupled to a side of the first center portion 411a facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a second supporting portion 412b extending from the second central portion 412a in the second direction; and a second guide portion 412c extending from the second support portion 412b in a fourth direction perpendicular to the second direction, the second fixing structure being integrally or removably coupled to the first fixing structure; a first connection shaft 431 including a first gear 4341, the first gear 4341 being formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the first connection shaft 431, the first connection shaft 431 extending in a first direction and passing through at least a portion of the first central portion 411a of the first fixing structure 411 such that at least a portion of the first gear 4341 is disposed between the first central portion and the first guide portion 411 c; a first rotating structure 421 disposed between the first guide portion 411c and the first center portion 411a and including a first circular arc gear 4241 engaged with the first gear 4341, the first rotating structure being coupled with the first connection shaft 431 to rotate about a first virtual rotation axis H1, the first virtual rotation axis H1 passing through a center of a circular arc of the first circular arc gear 4241; a second connection shaft 432 including a second gear 4342, the second gear 4342 being formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the second connection shaft 432, the second connection shaft 432 extending in a second direction and passing through at least a portion of the second center portion 412a of the second fixing structure 412 such that at least a portion of the second gear 4342 is disposed between the second center portion 412a and the second guide portion 411c, the first connection shaft 431 and the second connection shaft 432 being linked to each other to rotate in opposite directions; and a second rotating structure 422 disposed between the second guide portion 411c and the second center portion 412a and including a second circular arc gear 4242 engaged with the second gear 4342, the second rotating structure being configured to rotate about a second virtual rotation axis H2 passing through the center of the circular arc of the second circular arc gear 4242 by rotation of the second connection shaft 432.

In an embodiment, the first rotating structure may have a first opening formed therein in a first circular arc shape, the first circular arc gear may be a first internal gear formed on an inner wall of the first opening and engaged with the first gear of the first connection shaft, and the second rotating structure may have a second opening formed therein in a second circular arc shape, and the second circular arc gear may be a second internal gear formed on an inner wall of the second opening and engaged with the second gear of the second connection shaft.

In an embodiment, the hinge module may further include even number of sub-gears 441 and 442, and the sub-gears 441 and 442 are disposed between the first and second center portions and connected with the first and second connection shafts 431 and 432.

In an embodiment, the first and second central portions 411a and 412a may each include a first guide structure 4141 protruding toward the first and second rotating structures 421 and 422, and the first and second guide portions 411c and 412c may each include a second guide structure 4142 protruding toward the first and second rotating structures 421 and 422. The first rotating structure 421 may include a first rail 4231, the first rail 4231 being formed on an opposing surface of the first rotating structure and configured to receive at least a portion of the first guide structure 4141, and the second rotating structure may include a second rail 4232, the second rail 4232 being formed on an opposing surface of the second rotating structure and configured to receive at least a portion of the second guide structure 4142.

In an embodiment, each of the first guide rails 4231 may include a first curved surface 423a having a first radius of curvature with respect to the first virtual rotation axis H1 and a second curved surface 423b having a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature with respect to the first virtual rotation axis H1, and the first guide structure 4141 may be disposed between the first curved surface 423a and the second curved surface 423 b. Each of the second guide rails 4232 may include a third curved surface 423a having a first radius of curvature with respect to the second virtual rotation axis H2 and a fourth curved surface 423b having a second radius of curvature with respect to the second virtual rotation axis H2, and the second guide structure 4142 may be disposed between the third curved surface 423a and the fourth curved surface 423 b.

In an embodiment, the first guide structure 4141 may include a first corresponding curved surface 414a in contact with the first curved surface 423a of the first rail 4231 and a second corresponding curved surface 414b in contact with the second curved surface 423b of the first rail 4231, a central angle of an arc of the second corresponding curved surface 414b may be smaller than a central angle of an arc of the second curved surface 423b, the second guide structure 4142 may include a third corresponding curved surface 414a in contact with the third curved surface 423a of the second rail 4232 and a fourth corresponding curved surface 414b in contact with the fourth curved surface 423b of the second rail 4232, and a central angle of an arc of the fourth corresponding curved surface 414b may be smaller than a central angle of an arc of the fourth curved surface 423 b.

In an embodiment, the first rotating structure 421 may include a first curved surface 4272, the first curved surface 4272 has a first radius of curvature with respect to the first virtual rotation axis H1, the first support portion 411b may include a first corresponding curved surface 4143, the first corresponding curved surface 4143 supports the first curved surface 4272 to support rotation of the first rotating structure 421, the second rotating structure 422 may include a second curved surface 4274 having a second radius of curvature with respect to the second virtual rotation axis H2, and the second support portion 412b may include a second corresponding curved surface 4143, the second corresponding curved surface 4143 supports the second curved surface 4274 to support rotation of the second rotating structure 422.

In an embodiment, the first circular arc gear 4241 may be located between the first connection shaft 431 and the first virtual rotation shaft H1 in a radial direction from the first virtual rotation shaft H1, and the second circular arc gear 4242 may be located between the second connection shaft 432 and the second virtual rotation shaft H2 in a radial direction from the second virtual rotation shaft H2.

A hinge module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a fixed structure 411 including a central portion 411a; a guide portion 411c having an edge facing the edge of the center portion 411a; and a supporting portion 411b configured to connect the central portion 411a and the guide portion 411c, an internal space being formed between the central portion 411a and the guide portion 411 c; a connection shaft 431 extending to the inner space through the central portion 411a and including a gear 4341 formed on at least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the connection shaft; and a rotating structure 421 disposed in the inner space and including a circular arc gear 4241, the circular arc gear 4241 including a plurality of gear teeth disposed in a circular arc shape and engaged with the gear 4341, wherein the rotating structure 421 rotates about a virtual rotation axis H1 passing through a center of a circular arc of the circular arc gear 4241.

In an embodiment, the center portion 411a may face in the direction of the virtual rotation axis H1, and the support portion 411b may face in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the virtual rotation axis H1.

In an embodiment, the rotating structure 421 may have a circular arc opening 426 formed therein, at least a portion of the connection shaft 431 passes through the circular arc opening 426, and the circular arc gear 4241 may be an internal gear 4241 formed on an inner wall of the opening 426 and engaged with the gear 4341 of the connection shaft 431.

In an embodiment, the internal gear 4241 may be between the connection shaft 431 and the virtual rotation shaft H1.

In an embodiment, the central portion 411a and the guide portion 411c may each include a guide structure 414 protruding toward the inner space, and the rotary structure 421 may include guide rails 4231 and 4232 configured to receive the guide structure 414.

In an embodiment, the rails 4231 and 4232 may comprise: a first curved surface 423a spaced apart from the virtual rotation axis H1 in the radial direction by a first distance; and a second curved surface 423b spaced apart from the virtual rotation axis H1 by a second distance in the radial direction, and the guide structure 414 may be received between the first curved surface 423a and the second curved surface 423b of the guide rail.

In an embodiment, the guide structure 414 may include a first corresponding curved surface 414a in contact with the first curved surfaces 423a of the rails 4231 and 4232 and a second corresponding curved surface 414b in contact with the second curved surfaces 423b of the rails 4231 and 4232, and a central angle of an arc of the second corresponding curved surface 414b may be smaller than a central angle of an arc of the second curved surface 423 b.

In an embodiment, the support portion 411b may include a curved surface formed to support rotation of the rotation structure 421.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing structure, comprising: a first housing 21; a second housing 22; and a hinge housing 25 disposed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22; a flexible display 30 disposed on the housing structure to extend from the first housing 21 to the second housing 22, and including: a first region formed by a flat surface of the first housing; a second region formed by a flat surface of the second housing; and a folding region formed between the first region and the second region and configured to fold flat or curved; and a hinge module 40 disposed in the hinge housing 25 and configured to rotate the first housing 21 about a first virtual rotation axis H1 extending in the first direction and rotate the second housing 22 about a second virtual rotation axis H2 parallel to the first virtual rotation axis H1. The hinge module includes: a fixing structure 41 fixedly disposed in the hinge housing 25, and including: central portions 411a, 412a; a first supporting portion 411b extending from the central portions 411a, 412a in the first direction; a first guide portion 411c extending from the first support portion 411b in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; a second support portion 412b extending from the center 411a, 412a in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a second guide portion 412c extending from the second support portion 412b in a fourth direction perpendicular to the second direction; a first rotating structure 421 disposed between the first guide portion 411c and the central portions 411a, 412a and connected to the first housing 21; and a second rotating structure 422 disposed between the second guide portion 412c and the central portions 411a, 412a and connected to the second housing 22.

In an embodiment, the first rotation structure 421 may be configured to rotate about the first virtual rotation axis H1 in a first rotation direction, and the second rotation structure 422 may be configured to rotate about the second virtual rotation axis H2 in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

In an embodiment, the hinge module 40 may further include: a first connection shaft 431 extending from the central portions 411a, 412a in the first direction and including a first gear 4341, and passing through at least a portion of the central portions 411a, 412a such that at least a portion of the first gear 4341 is disposed between the first guide portion 411c and the central portions 411a, 412 a; and a second connection shaft 432 extending from the center 411a, 412a in the second direction and including a second gear 4342, and passing through at least a portion of the center 411a, 412a such that at least a portion of the second gear 4342 is disposed between the second guide portion 412c and the center 411a, 412 a. The central portions 411a, 412a may include even number of sub-gears 441 and 442, and the sub-gears 441 and 442 are connected with the first gear 4341 and the second gear 4342 to rotate the first connection shaft 431 and the second connection shaft 432 in opposite directions. The first rotating structure 421 may include: a first opening 4261 having a first circular arc shape, a center of the first opening 4261 being coincident with the first virtual rotation axis H1; and a first internal gear 4241, the first internal gear 4241 being formed in the first opening 4261 and engaged with the first gear 4341, and the second rotation structure 422 may include: a second opening 4262 having a second circular arc shape, a center of the second opening 4262 being coincident with the second virtual rotation axis H2; and a second internal gear 4242, the second internal gear 4242 being formed in the second opening 4262 and meshed with the second gear 4342.

In an embodiment, the first guide portion 411c and the central portions 411a, 412a may each include a first guide structure 4141 protruding toward the first rotation structure 421, and the first rotation structure 411 may include a first guide rail 4231 formed on an opposite surface of the first rotation structure and configured to receive at least a portion of the first guide structure 4141. The second guide portion 412c and the central portions 411a, 412a may each include a second guide structure 4142 protruding toward the second rotating structure 422, and the second rotating structure 422 may include second guide rails 4232 formed on opposite surfaces of the second rotating structure and configured to receive at least a portion of the second guide structure 4142.

Hinge modules and electronic devices including the hinge modules according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a relatively small number of parts, thereby enabling a simple assembly process and reducing a failure rate.

Further, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, even if an external impact (e.g., from a drop) is applied, the rotation of the rotating structure may be restricted without a separate elastic member.

Further, the present disclosure may provide various other effects and advantages that are directly or indirectly recognized.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of the disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the particular embodiments, but rather include various modifications, equivalents or alternatives to the respective embodiments. For the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements. It will be understood that a noun in the singular corresponding to a term may include one or more things unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "a or B", "at least one of a and B", "at least one of a or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any or all possible combinations of items listed with a corresponding one of the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1 st" and "2 nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish one element from another element and not to limit the element in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if the terms "operatively" or "communicatively" are used or the terms "operatively" or "communicatively" are not used, then if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "coupled to," "connected to," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it is intended that the element can be directly (e.g., wired) connected to, wireless connected to, or connected to the other element via a third element.

According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding one of the plurality of components performed the one or more functions prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, a program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. A portable communication device, the portable communication device comprising:

a housing (2), the housing (2) comprising a first housing (21) and a second housing (22);

-a flexible display (3), the flexible display (3) being housed in the first housing (21) and the second housing (22); and

a first hinge module including at least one gear, the first hinge module being received in the housing and coupled with the first housing and the second housing,

a second hinge module received in the housing, coupled with the first housing and the second housing, and configured to rotate using a rail structure,

wherein the first hinge module supporting an interlocking function includes:

a first fixing structure (411), the first fixing structure (411) including a first central portion (411 a), a first supporting portion (411 b) extending from the first central portion, and a first guide portion (411 c) extending from the first supporting portion and formed in parallel with the first central portion;

a second fixing structure (412), the second fixing structure (412) including a second central portion (412 a), a second supporting portion (412 b) extending from the second central portion, and a second guide portion (412 c) extending from the second supporting portion and formed in parallel with the second central portion;

A first rotating structure (421), the first rotating structure (421) being arranged between the first guiding portion and the first central portion, wherein the first rotating structure rotates around a first virtual rotation axis;

a second rotating structure (422), the second rotating structure (422) being disposed between the second guide portion and the second central portion, wherein the second rotating structure is configured to rotate about a second virtual rotational axis;

a first connection shaft (431), the first connection shaft (431) comprising a first gear (4341) of the at least one gear and being configured to rotate about a third axis;

a second connection shaft (432), the second connection shaft (432) comprising a second gear (4342) of the at least one gear and configured to rotate about a fourth axis;

wherein the third axis and the fourth axis are different from the first virtual rotation axis and the second virtual rotation axis,

wherein the first virtual rotational axis is separate from the second virtual rotational axis.

2. The portable communication device of claim 1,

wherein the first gear is formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the first coupling shaft,

Wherein the second gear is formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the second connection shaft.

3. The portable communication device of claim 2, wherein the first and second connection shafts are linked to each other to be rotatable in opposite directions, and at least a portion of the first connection shaft is disposed in the first fixed structure and at least a portion of the second connection shaft is disposed in the second fixed structure.

4. The portable communication device of claim 2, the portable communication device further comprising:

a first sub-gear coupled to the first gear; and

a second sub-gear coupled to the second gear and the first sub-gear.

5. The portable communication device of claim 1,

wherein the first and second central portions include first guide structures protruding toward the first and second rotating structures, respectively,

wherein the first and second guide portions include second guide structures protruding toward the first and second rotating structures, respectively,

wherein the first rotating structure includes a first rail formed on an opposing surface of the first rotating structure and configured to receive at least a portion of the first guiding structure, and

Wherein the second rotating structure includes a second rail formed on an opposing surface of the second rotating structure and configured to receive at least a portion of the second guiding structure.

6. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein the second hinge module comprises:

-a fixation structure (51), the fixation structure (51) comprising two first guiding structures (5151) and two second guiding structures (5152);

-a third rotation structure (521), the third rotation structure (521) corresponding to the first housing (21) and comprising two first guide rails (5251) and a recess, the third rotation structure (521) being configured to rotate around the first virtual rotation axis by means of the two first guide structures (5151), wherein the two first guide rails slide along the two first guide structures, respectively; and

-a fourth rotation structure (522), which fourth rotation structure (522) corresponds to the second housing (21) and comprises two second guide rails (5252), which fourth rotation structure (521) is configured to rotate around the second virtual rotation axis by means of the two second guide structures (5152), wherein the two second guide rails slide along the two second guide structures, respectively, such that, when the housing (2) is unfolded, a first part of the fourth rotation structure (522) is positioned inside the recess, a second part of the fourth rotation structure (522) is positioned outside the recess, and that, when the housing (2) is folded, the first part and the second part of the fourth rotation structure (522) are positioned outside the recess.

7. The portable communication device of claim 6, wherein the third rotational structure comprises a body (521 a), a first extension (521 b) protruding from a first end of the body, and a second extension (521 c) protruding from a second end of the body and substantially parallel to the first extension, wherein the recess is formed by the body, the first extension, and the second extension.

8. The portable communication device of claim 7, wherein a first track of the two first rails is formed in the first extension, and wherein a first structure of the first guide structures protrudes toward the first track of the two first rails such that a tip portion of the first structure is received in the first track and is configured to slide therealong.

9. The portable communication device of claim 7, wherein a second track of the two first rails is formed in the second extension, and wherein a second structure of the two first guide structures protrudes toward the second track of the two first rails such that a tip portion of the second structure is received in the second track and is configured to slide therealong.

10. The portable communication device of claim 9, wherein a third track of the two second rails is formed in a first side surface of the fourth rotating structure facing the first extension, and wherein the third structure of the two second guiding structures protrudes toward the third track such that a tip portion of the third structure is received in and configured to slide along the third track.

11. The portable communication device of claim 10, wherein a fourth track of the two second guide tracks is formed in a second side surface of the fourth rotating structure facing the second extension, and wherein the fourth structure of the two second guide track structures protrudes toward the fourth track such that a tip portion of the fourth structure is received in the fourth track and configured to slide therealong.

12. The portable communication device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the two first rails of the third swivel structure or the two second rails of the fourth swivel structure is formed in a substantially arc shape.

13. The portable communication device of claim 6, wherein the third rotating structure is configured to be spaced apart from the fourth rotating structure when the housing is folded.

14. The portable communication device of claim 6, wherein the third rotating structure is configured to rotate independently of the fourth rotating structure.

15. The portable communication device of claim 6, wherein the third rotating structure and the fourth rotating structure are operatively linked to each other without a gear disposed therebetween.

16. The portable communication device of claim 6, wherein the housing comprises a hinge housing portion disposed in at least a portion of the first housing and at least a portion of the second housing, and wherein at least a portion of the first hinge module is housed in the hinge housing portion.

17. A portable communication device, the portable communication device comprising:

a second hinge module accommodated in the housing and coupled with the first housing and the second housing,

a first hinge module including at least one gear, received in the housing, and coupled with the first housing and the second housing,

Wherein the second hinge module includes:

-a first rotation structure (521), the first rotation structure (521) comprising two first guide rails (5251) and a recess, the first rotation structure (521) being configured to rotate about a first virtual rotation axis by means of the two first guide structures (5151), wherein the two first guide rails slide along the two first guide structures, respectively; and

-a second rotating structure (522), the second rotating structure (522) corresponding to the second housing (22), the second rotating structure (522) comprising two second guide rails (5252), the second rotating structure (521) being configured to rotate about a second virtual rotation axis by means of the two second guide structures (5152), wherein the two second guide rails slide along the two second guide structures, respectively, such that, when the housing (2) is unfolded, a first part of the second rotating structure (522) is positioned inside the recess, and a second part of the second rotating structure (522) is positioned outside the recess, and when the housing (2) is folded, the first part and the second part of the second rotating structure (522) are positioned outside the recess.

18. The portable communication device of claim 17, wherein the first hinge module supporting an interlock function comprises:

a third rotating structure (421), the third rotating structure (421) being disposed between the first guide portion and the first center portion, wherein the third rotating structure rotates about the first virtual rotation axis;

a fourth rotating structure (422), the fourth rotating structure (422) being disposed between the second guiding portion and the second central portion, wherein the fourth rotating structure is configured to rotate about the second virtual rotational axis;

A first connection shaft (431), the first connection shaft (431) comprising a first gear (4341) of the at least one gear and being configured to rotate around a third axis,

a second connection shaft (432), the second connection shaft (432) comprising a second gear (4342) of the at least one gear and being configured to rotate about a fourth axis.

19. The portable communication device of claim 18,

wherein the first gear is formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the first connecting shaft;

wherein the second gear is formed on at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the second connecting shaft;

the first and second connection shafts are linked to each other so as to be rotatable in opposite directions, and at least a portion of the first connection shaft is provided in the first fixed structure and at least a portion of the second connection shaft is provided in the second fixed structure.

20. The portable communication device of claim 18, the portable communication device further comprising:

a first sub-gear coupled to the first gear; and

a second sub-gear coupled to the second gear and the first sub-gear.

21. The portable communication device of claim 18,